Randy Quaid, a former co-star in the 1990 film Days of Thunder, has publicly criticized Tom Cruise’s casting decisions for the upcoming sequel, Days of Thunder 2. Quaid expressed strong disapproval over the absence of Nicole Kidman, Cruise’s ex-wife and co-star in the original movie, from the announced cast. He also made disparaging remarks about Anne Hathaway, who is set to star opposite Cruise in the new film.
Quaid’s Call for Nicole Kidman’s Return
The original Days of Thunder, a racing drama, saw Tom Cruise reprise his role as NASCAR driver Cole Trickle nearly four decades after its initial release. The sequel, slated for a summer 2028 release, will feature Anne Hathaway as Cruise’s new leading lady. However, Randy Quaid, who portrayed team owner Tim Daland in the 1990 film, voiced his demand for Kidman’s inclusion.
“We need Nicole back,” Quaid stated on the social media platform X. He urged Cruise to reconsider the casting, asserting, “Don’t be a p***y, Tom Cruise. You need the original girl. It’s not personal; it’s filmmaking.” Quaid specifically advocated for Kidman, 59, to reprise her role as Dr. Claire Lewicki, the neurosurgeon who treated Cole Trickle after a severe crash and later became his love interest. “The sexy older chick for Tom in this film needs to be Nicole,” Quaid wrote. “That’s the casting that would sell the idea.”
As of now, Nicole Kidman has not been announced as part of the new cast. While Hathaway is confirmed as Cruise’s co-star, there has been no official statement confirming whether Kidman’s character has been written out of the storyline or if Hathaway is intended to replace her.
Quaid’s Remarks on Anne Hathaway
In addition to his push for Kidman, Quaid directed personal attacks at Anne Hathaway. He questioned her suitability for the role, particularly noting her current pregnancy. “Anne isn’t sexy, because – and if you haven’t noticed – she’s pregnant,” Quaid wrote. He further labeled Hathaway a “leftist, woke, horrible choice,” suggesting that the audience for the sequel would align with the “MAGA” demographic.
‘Days of Thunder 2’ Announcement Details
The controversy arose shortly after Cruise and Hathaway officially announced their collaboration. The pair shared a promotional photograph and a playful video filmed at the Daytona International Speedway in Florida. In the visuals, they stood beside a green and yellow race car, a clear homage to the vehicle Cruise drove in the original film. Cruise sported a casual look with blue jeans and a rolled-up blue button-down shirt, while Hathaway complemented him in denim, a beige shirt, and a cowboy hat. Hathaway’s pregnancy was subtly concealed as she engaged with the camera.
During the promotional clip, Cruise asked, “Now what?” to which Hathaway responded, “Let’s make the movie!” She added a lighthearted comment about her pregnancy, saying, “I’m gonna have this baby, and then we’re going to make this movie.” Cruise agreed, replying, “That’s a good idea. You have the baby and then we’re gonna make the movie.” The duo confirmed the film’s release for summer 2028.
Production and Release Information
Paramount Pictures has scheduled Days of Thunder 2 for a theatrical release on June 2, 2028. Tom Cruise will return as Cole Trickle, and Anne Hathaway is expected to portray the owner and engineer of a racing team. The film is slated for production for IMAX screens and will be released in premium formats, including Dolby Cinema and 4DX.
Cruise is also serving as a producer on the project, alongside Jerry Bruckheimer, who produced the original, and Tommy Harper. Will Staples has penned the screenplay, and Jonathan Levine is set to direct. Specific plot details remain undisclosed.
Historical Context: Cruise and Kidman’s Relationship
The original Days of Thunder holds significant personal history for Tom Cruise, as it was on its set that he met Nicole Kidman. Their characters’ on-screen romance, which developed after Claire helped Cole recover from a racing accident, mirrored their real-life relationship. Cruise and Kidman married in December 1990, shortly after the film’s production, and adopted two children, Isabella and Connor. Their marriage concluded in 2001 after more than a decade together.
Kidman has previously spoken about the intensity of their relationship, recalling that they had fallen “madly in love” in her early twenties and were unconcerned about potential career implications. The absence of Kidman from the initial cast announcement for the sequel is notable, given the romantic history associated with the first film. However, it remains possible that further cast members will be revealed as production progresses.
Legacy of the Original Film
The 1990 film, directed by the late Tony Scott, achieved considerable box office success, grossing $82.6 million domestically and $157.9 million worldwide. The original cast included notable actors such as Robert Duvall, Cary Elwes, Michael Rooker, Caroline Williams, and John C. Reilly.
Cary Elwes, who played rival Russ Wheeler, recounted Cruise’s dedication to the driving sequences. Elwes shared an anecdote where Cruise reportedly crashed a race car into a wall on his first day of driving, remarking dryly, “Hello, wall.” Elwes also praised Cruise’s professionalism and camaraderie on set.
Cruise’s return to an early role follows the immense success of Top Gun: Maverick, which revitalized his 1986 film and became a global phenomenon. Meanwhile, Anne Hathaway is experiencing a prolific period in her career, with other upcoming projects including major roles in Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey and the anticipated The Devil Wears Prada 2. The Days of Thunder 2 sequel will mark the first on-screen collaboration between Cruise and Hathaway.
